New Orleans · HISTORICAL TOURS

The 15 Best History Tours in New Orleans

49 tours  ·  from $8

Three hundred years of French, Spanish, Creole and American New Orleans stacked in the same streets. The 15 below cover the walks and the drives that make sense of it, priced with start points and durations.

New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour - Walking the Garden District’s grand avenues
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New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

1.New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,879 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35Our pick

Walk New Orleans’ Garden District with guides such as Caroline, Angie, Shawn, or Sean, learning about antebellum homes, above-ground tombs, local characters, and film sites. The capped group walks at an easy pace, but uneven sidewalks and the cemetery’s closure require sturdy shoes.

“Sean was knowledgeable and friendly. He wasn’t too loud and shared a wealth of insider info about NO history. Great tour.”

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French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour - Starting near Dumaine Street
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French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

2.French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,724 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Walk through New Orleans with a professional guide, learning how French, Spanish, Caribbean, and American influences shaped the Quarter. The two-hour route includes the French Market, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, Royal Street, and the Mississippi River, with dining tips along the way.

“Excellent tour. Guide Tim was fantastic , friendly and informative. Learnt a lot about the French quarter.”

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New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour - Starting at Jackson Square and 700 Decatur Street
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New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour

3.New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,289 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $65

Join a maximum of eight people for a one-hour evening carriage ride from Jackson Square. Guides such as Matt, Trish, Lemen, and Charles share French Quarter history, ghost lore, fires, floods, epidemics, and the story of the LaLaurie Mansion. The ride returns to 700 Decatur Street.

“Very interesting and informative tour of the haunted history of the French Quarter and Metairie. Fun nighttime activity.”

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New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour - Starting at the Vampire Apothecary
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New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour

4.New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,084 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Spend about two hours walking the French Quarter with a theatrical guide such as Ariadne, Stella, Arty, or Neo. Hear stories tied to LaLaurie Mansion, Jackson Square, Pirate’s Alley, and haunted bars, with time for a drink at your own expense.

“Great tour but we got there 10 minutes early and checked in, tour in my name but they gave the stickers to my husband and his friend so when I came back from the bathroom I didn’t have my tour and the two jerks who saw us check in (incidentally there was only like 8 people on the tour!) gave me attitude and said I needed my sticker, which they never gave to me and I paid for the tour, so it was my name on their list, then I got more attitude when I asked where the tour was starting and asked if it was at the vampire apothecary,…”

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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise - What you see from the Creole Queen
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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

5.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,948 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, with live history commentary, city and river views, and a guided visit to Chalmette Battlefield. Food and drinks cost extra. Guides may include Charles, Dr. Lauren, or Dr. Tarantino.

“We had an awesome time. Learned a lot, the food was great. The battlefield area is beautiful. Wish we could've stayed there a little longer.”

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New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour - Pralines, brittle, and the sweeter side of Creole cooking
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New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

6.New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,544 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $85

Start at 3rd Block Depot and follow a guide through the French Quarter for five food stops, including gumbo, hot sauces, pralines, fried catfish po’boys, boudin, red beans and rice, and bread pudding. Guides such as Beth, Meg, John, and Dylan add recipes, local history, and humor.

“Despite it being a very rainy afternoon, we really enjoyed the tour. Beth is a great guide and shared tons of information and history about not only the local foods we sampled but also the city itself. This tour is the perfect combination for for travelers with a limited amount of time to to get a taste of New Orleans. The tour does go off rain or shine, so be sure to check the forecast and be prepared with jackets/ umbrellas. Thanks for an enjoyable experience!”

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New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch - Boarding at the Riverwalk and Canal Street Dock
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New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch

7.Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,112 reviews · 2h 30m · from $47

Take a 150-minute English-language cruise aboard the Creole Queen from Canal Street to Chalmette Battlefield. Hear local stories from guides such as Charles and Dr. Lauren, enjoy Mississippi views, and choose an optional buffet of Creole and Cajun dishes.

“The food was served up quickly and hot. The musicians were first rate. We enjoyed getting to see the mechanical works. Overall a good experience for our family group of eleven.”

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New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour - Pepper Palace turns hot sauce into a tasting lesson
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New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour

8.New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 819 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $160

Start at Red Fish Grill with gumbo and a Hurricane, then walk through the French Quarter for hot sauces, muffuletta, jambalaya, pralines, Pimm’s Cup, and a daiquiri. Guides such as Meg, Ben, Gary, and Dylan mix food with New Orleans history. You must be 21 or older.

“Meg was an amazing guide. We learned so much as well as had a great time! Each stop was so good and delicious!”

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New Orleans: French Quarter Food History Walking Tour - Starting at 3rd Block Depot with Cajun-style gumbo
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New Orleans: French Quarter Food History Walking Tour

9.French Quarter Food History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 713 reviews · 3 hours · from $85

Meet inside 3rd Block Depot for a three-hour French Quarter food walk led by an English-speaking guide such as Beth, Gary, John, or Meg. Expect up to eight tastings, from gumbo and catfish po-boys to muffuletta, boudin, red beans and rice, and bananas Foster bread pudding.

“Tour was great! Professor was informative, humorous and an overall great guide!”

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New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter - Patrick’s Bar Vin and the grapefruit Rum Punch
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New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter

10.New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 604 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

Walk about one mile through the French Quarter, stopping at four bars for a Rum Punch, Sazerac or Brandy Crusta, a historic cocktail at Peychaud’s, and a Roffignac. Guides such as Beth, Gary, Meg, John, and Kat bring cocktail lore and New Orleans stories to life.

“Beth is amazing! We loved this tour so much that its the second time my mom and I have done it. Beth knows her history of spirits. The tour was a 10/10. I highly recommend for anyone looking to get a taste of new orleans alcohol history with some fun. I will be back next year with my friend!”

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New Orleans Jazz History and Music Walking Tour - Walking Into the French Quarter
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New Orleans Jazz History and Music Walking Tour

11.New Orleans Jazz History and Music Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 477 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Walk about 1.5 miles through Tremé and the French Quarter with a local music guide such as Adam, Kristi, or Andre. Learn how jazz grew from African, Caribbean, Creole, and European roots, then visit one or two live music venues, with a drink included.

“This was a very informative tour about jazz in NOLA. Our tour guide Adam was very knowledgeable on the subject and there were only 4 guests in our group which made it even more fun. We went to a couple great jazz spots in the French quarter and had a great time. Quite a bit of walking involved so wear some comfy shoes.”

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Garden District Home and History Walking Tour - Inside the 1859 Opera mansion
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Garden District Home and History Walking Tour

12.Garden District Home and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 470 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $26

Walk New Orleans’ Garden District with a local storyteller, stopping inside a 1859 Greek Revival Italianate mansion before seeing grand homes linked to Anne Rice, John Goodman, Sandra Bullock, Archie Manning, and more. The two-hour English tour starts at 10 a.m. and ends near Commander’s Palace.

“Eva was a great guide. She shared the history and stories of the garden area. Very historic part of the city.”

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New Orleans French Quarter Walking and History Tour - The French Market and the everyday side of the Quarter
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New Orleans French Quarter Walking and History Tour

13.New Orleans French Quarter Walking and History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 288 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $29

Spend two hours walking about 2 miles through New Orleans with a local guide. See the French Market, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Ursuline Convent, literary landmarks, and Creole courtyards. Guides such as David Roberts add local stories, music, humor, and useful orientation for a first visit.

“We loved learning the good and not so great history of the French Quarter. Our guide was delightful and answered our questions knowledgeably.”

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New Orleans Music Heritage Tour - Starting at Louisiana Music Factory on Frenchmen Street
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New Orleans Music Heritage Tour

14.New Orleans Music Heritage Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 246 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Join record producer Keith Abel for a two-hour walk from Frenchmen Street through the Marigny, French Quarter, and Treme. Hear blues, jazz, gospel, soul, and rock clips from a Bluetooth speaker as you visit studios, clubs, Armstrong Park, and Congo Square. Expect stories, music, and adult language.

“This was a fantastic experience. Fun and informative, with lots of history. Keith, our guide, has a wealth of knowledge and experience and shares it in a personable and entertaining way. As a bonus, he plays musical selections during the tour and takes photos.”

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New Orleans History and Sightseeing Small-Group Bike Tour - Jackson Square and the Mississippi River: where the story begins
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New Orleans History and Sightseeing Small-Group Bike Tour

15.New Orleans History and Sightseeing Small-Group Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $55

Ride through New Orleans with a local guide such as Chip, Guy, Jeffrey, or Betsy, visiting the French Quarter, Marigny, Treme, City Park, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. The flat, three-hour route includes a comfortable bike, basket, bottled water, and a group of no more than 10.

“It was so much fun! Our guide, Betsy, was great! We got to see so much of the city, many places we wouldn't have seen otherwise! Betsy recommenced some great places to eat! Great was to see the city!”

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★ 4.79th Ward Hurricane Katrina History TourFrom $2531 reviews
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